Sri Sri Centre for Media Studies, Bangalore, India, has been established to train entry-level media professionals and equip them with versatile skills to function in multiple environments including print, online and electronic media.

Schedule
Spread over three terms, the one-year programme begins in mid-July and ends in May. In the first term, from July 19 to September 30, students from both streams -- print and broadcast -- work on common course content and are introduced to concepts from both areas. They are taught the basics of reporting, writing and editing, in both print and electronic journalism. They go through foundation courses in History, Economics, Sociology, Political Science and Media Management in order to provide them with an awareness of the environment they are expected to work in. They are given intensive training in writing in English. At the end of the term, they must choose their area of specialisation -- print or broadcast.

In the second term, from October 1 to December 18, students begin to work in their chosen media field. The training begins to get more intense as print media students are expected to bring out a weekly tabloid and electronic media students, a weekly news bulletin / documentary. All students continue to learn the foundation courses for part of the second term. They also continue to work on reporting, writing and editing in order to sharpen their ability to identify a news idea and follow it through.

The third term begins on January 3, 2005 and finishes on May 15, 2005. In this term, the students not only learn a module on web journalism, but also complete their masters project and spend a month -- February 7 to March 7 -- working as interns in various media houses. Students will now have to bring out daily publications in their chosen media streams -- an afternoon newspaper and an evening news bulletin become a daily affair.

Computer news lab
For the year long stay at the school, the Computer News Lab will be the place where the students will be spending most of their time -- doing class assignments, research and working on their weekly newspaper and documentaries.

Each student will have a workstation to him/herself with a dedicated Internet line and e-mail facility. The students will have the opportunity to develop all-round proficiency over key software packages in editing, designing and Web-publishing.

Digital studio
The in-house studio for the electronic media has facilities for shooting, editing and post-production. A digital video camera adds to the practical training.

Library
The Centre has a comprehensive library with thousands of books on a range of subjects. The Centre also subscribes to a number of journals and magazines.

Admission
Graduates or postgraduates in any discipline (Science, Humanities, Arts, Commerce, Literature, Psychology, etc.) with a minimum of 50 per cent in the aggregate, from a recognised university, and a sound knowledge of English can apply for selection. An added asset (and evidence of that) in creative arts such as writing and media-related communication skills will be of value.

Entrance test
All India Entrance test will be held at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapur on July 11.

The last date for receiving the completed application form is June 15.

Selection will be based on a four-hour test covering proficiency in English language, general knowledge and professional aptitude, The test will be held in six major metros. A personal interview will follow.

Fee structure
The job-oriented postgraduate diploma programme will cost as follows:
Print: Rs 75,000
Electronic: Rs 1,00,000

The fee is payable in two instalments. The fees are payable through bank demand draft, drawn in favour of Sri Sri Centre for Media Studies, Bangalore. Scholarships. A fee-waiver will be offered in a limited number to needy and deserving candidates. The decision on this will rest with the Admissions Committee.

Accommodation
Accommodation will be made available to outstation students on request at their own cost.

Prospectus and application form
Write to the Admissions Office, with your complete postal address (include telephone number and e-mail address, if any) by enclosing a crossed bank demand draft of Rs 500 in favour of Sri Sri Centre for Media Studies, payable at Bangalore.

Important dates to remember
Last date for receiving applications: June 15
Entrance Test: July 11
Course begins: August 2

Address
No 19, 39 A Cross
11th Main Road
IV 'T' Block, Jayanagar
Bangalore --- 560041

E-mail
sscms@dishnetdsl.net

Telephone
+91 80 2655 7572 / +91 80 2655 7573

Telefax
+91 80 2653 4833